What are some advantages of an agar plate over a slant tube?

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What are some advantages of an agar plate over a slant tube?

In Microbiology

2007-01-08 07:40:58 · 3 answers · asked by Steenskees 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology

3 answers

The major advantage is a larger surface area. Makes it easier to isolate individual colonies of bacteria, or to grow larger numbers of cells than on a slant.

2007-01-08 07:45:19 · answer #1 · answered by hcbiochem 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋

It is impossible to count the number of bacteria in a slant tube. You can see growth, but you can't quantify it. An agar plate allows the bacteria to be spread out over the surface, and if you use quadrant streaking, you can calculate bacteria per volume.

2007-01-08 16:02:10 · answer #2 · answered by Tiramysu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Large surface area.
Opportunity for direct full face viewing of colonies.
Ease of access for streaking.

2007-01-08 15:52:22 · answer #3 · answered by novangelis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋